Choosing the Right Level Sensor for Your Industrial Tank

Choosing the Right Level Sensor for Your Industrial Tank

In industries that rely on the storage and handling of liquids or bulk solids—such as chemicals, food and beverage, water treatment, and manufacturing—accurate level measurement is critical. Using the wrong type of level sensor can lead to overflows, production downtime, equipment damage, or safety risks. At Rhomberg Instruments, we offer a range of level sensors designed for diverse industrial applications, and we’re here to help you choose the right one for your tank and process.

Why Accurate Level Measurement Matters

A level sensor monitors the amount of substance (liquid, powder, or slurry) inside a tank, silo, or container. The data it provides ensures:

  • Consistent product quality
  • Inventory control and planning
  • Prevention of overfilling or emptying
  • Equipment safety and compliance with regulations

Whether you’re managing water in a treatment facility or chemicals in an industrial plant, having the right sensor improves process efficiency and safety.

Types of Level Sensors Available at Rhomberg Instruments

We supply various level measurement technologies, each suited for specific applications:

  • Best for: Water, diesel, or non-corrosive liquids

  • How they work: A float rises and falls with the liquid level, triggering a signal

  • Advantages: Simple, reliable, cost-effective

  • Limitations: Not ideal for sticky, corrosive, or turbulent substances

  • Best for: Liquids and bulk solids (e.g., grains, powders)

  • How they work: Detects changes in capacitance caused by the presence of material

  • Advantages: Suitable for non-conductive materials and harsh environments

  • Limitations: Requires calibration for different media types

  • Best for: Non-contact measurement in tanks with liquids or solids

  • How they work: Sends ultrasonic pulses and measures the echo time

  • Advantages: Ideal for corrosive or hazardous materials

  • Limitations: Can be affected by foam, dust, or turbulence

  • Best for: High-precision measurement in challenging conditions

  • How they work: Uses microwave signals to detect level changes

  • Advantages: Accurate, non-contact, unaffected by temperature or pressure

  • Limitations: More expensive, typically used for complex or critical systems

How to Choose the Right Level Sensor

When selecting a level sensor for your tank, consider the following:

  • Type of Material – Is it liquid, slurry, or bulk solid? Is it sticky, foamy, or corrosive?
  • Tank Size & Shape – Tall silos or narrow vessels may require specific technologies
  • Environmental Conditions – Will the sensor be exposed to dust, moisture, temperature extremes, or vibration?
  • Contact vs. Non-Contact – Decide based on hygiene, maintenance access, and the nature of your materials
  • Output Requirements – Do you need analogue, digital, or relay output for integration with a control system?

Why Choose Rhomberg Instruments?

With decades of experience supplying process instrumentation, Rhomberg Instruments provides:

  • Expert advice and application-specific recommendations
  • Reliable, industrial-grade level sensors for all environments
  • Custom solutions for complex or hazardous applications
  • Ongoing support and calibration services

 

accurate level measurement

Conclusion

Choosing the right level sensor isn’t just about buying a device—it’s about optimising your process and protecting your operation. At Rhomberg Instruments, we help South African industries make informed, confident decisions about level measurement technology.

Need help selecting the right level sensor for your tank?
Contact Rhomberg Instruments today for expert guidance and tailored solutions.